If you plan to outsource your SEO to a professional firm, there are right and wrong ways to do so. Many small businesses use third party services for things like SEO, as it can be a complicated process that many don’t understand. The trouble is, there are so many different companies out there that offer a poor quality service that could do more harm than good. So – how do you choose the right person or company to work with? We’re going to go through a few simple tips with you today.
Research:
First of all, just because an SEO company hits the top spot on Google, it doesn’t mean they will be the best people to deliver excellence. It does, however, indicate they have a good grasp of SEO. Your first step, then, is to research as many companies as you can to see if they are a good fit. Look at their client portfolios on their website, and see if there are any reviews of their work anywhere online. Bear in mind that this should only give you an idea of who to choose – never dive in straight away.
Ethos:
It is vital to get a grasp of the quality of service that might be offer. A good way to test the water is to look at the way each company works. If they are making wild promises like getting you to the top of the rankings within a week, they may not be being honest. Watch out for standardized services, too; such as fixed pricing. A good SEO company understands that every project is different, and every website will have exceptional needs. For example, things like keyword research should be unlimited, rather than priced at a fixed point. It’s a sign that the company will be working to market your business in the best way.
Pricing:
While we’re on the subject of pricing, don’t automatically go for the lowest price. And, if there is no mention of charges, you can use comparison sites to find the best-priced SEO services for your needs. While you might balk at the larger costs, find out the reasons why they charge so much. You could be buying into a lot more professionalism and get a far better return on your investment. Similarly, if you plump for the cheapest option, it could be a complete waste of money, that costs more to fix later on down the line.
Contact:
The next step is to contact each company and speak with them. Don’t forget; SEO can be a long process when done right, so your relationship will be ongoing. It is important to choose a firm that you know can do a job, but also that you can work with. You will be putting a lot of trust in any agency you work with, so a solid and friendly relationship is going to be essential.
OK, so with a little luck, you should now be able to choose the right SEO company to work with. Keep tabs on their progress, and always make sure they have your best interests in mind. Good luck!